Nissan Chief Talks Smack About FR-S, BRZ

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that other automakers, especially Japanese ones, have been watching with great interest public reaction to the new Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. The rear-wheel-drive coupes represent a back-to-basics approach to building affordable sports cars, and Nissan also has quite a history with sports coupes, dating all the way back to the old Datsun 240Z. The 370Z is that car’s current relative, but when compared to the FR-S and BRZ, it’s too heavy and expensive.

Nissan VP Andy Palmer is fully aware of this, but he still thinks the former two are "designed for a 50-year-old." Also referring to the pair as "midlife crisis cars," Palmer instead wants us to get ready for the 370Z’s successor, which will appear in concept form next month at the Tokyo Motor Show. However, Palmer insists this latest Z car “won’t be for the midlife crisis” but rather for younger enthusiasts in their mid-to-late twenties. The new car will be smaller and lighter than the 370Z and will be powered by a new 2.5-liter turbocharged four pot. A detuned version of the 370’s 3.7-liter V6 will also likely be offered.